Carlos Carrasco. Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
The Mets announced Tuesday they place Carlos Carrasco on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation. They recalled reliever Jeff Brigham to his roster spot.
In an update, the New York Post’s Mike Puma reported that Carrasco has a bone chip in his right elbow, which was causing the discomfort and inflammation. The team is hoping the injection he received on Wednesday will allow him to resume pitching in two weeks. Otherwise, Carrasco could be facing surgery.
UPDATE: Carlos Carrasco has a small bone chip in his right elbow, causing the swelling/discomfort that placed him on the IL. The hope is the injection he received today will allow him to resume pitching in two weeks. Otherwise, he could be facing surgery.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) April 19, 2023
Carrasco was getting on track with his last start Saturday, allowing just two runs over five innings. He’s allowed 11 runs over 8.2 innings in his first two starts. The 36-year-old had been managed lightly over spring training by Buck Showalter and the Mets. The team was giving him more time between starts, occasionally opting for outings on the back fields instead of in Grapefruit League play.
His absence lends questions to who will start in his place. His next turn in the rotation is Friday. The Mets are already down Jose Quintana and Justin Verlander, who isn’t expected back until at least the end of next week. Jose Butto started Sunday, and though he was sent down on Monday for Brett Baty, he may be able to return because of injury. They may now also be without Max Scherzer for his next two turns in the rotation, pending on if he is suspended the mandatory 10 games after being ejected following a foreign substance check on Wednesday.
Joey Lucchesi is also an option. He’s started three games in Triple-A Syracuse, allowing just four runs over 15.2 innings (2.30 ERA). He last started Thursday, and he’s scheduled to pitch again Wednesday or Thursday. Lucchesi was expected to start for Syracuse on Wednesday but will not, leaving him open to join the Mets if needed. The Mets are also looking to stretch out Denyi Reyes in Syracuse after he was sent down on Wednesday for the returning Tommy Hunter.
Brigham, on the other hand, was called up for Carrasco. He will give the team another bullpen arm–for at least a couple of days. After a strong spring, the righty has struggled at Triple-A, allowing three runs over 1.2 innings (two appearances). He recently came off the seven-day injured list in the minors.
The Mets travel to San Francisco Thursday for the first game of a series against the Giants.
